A supermarket can seem like a manic place, especially during evenings and weekends when more people are free to shop. In the busy setting, it can be easy for mistakes to be made and sometimes go unnoticed. A shopper, racked with guilt, took to Martin Lewis’ MSE forum after finding themselves in such a moral dilemma.
They explained on the forum: “I did my big shop at a major supermarket and paid with a credit card as normal, yet when my card statement arrived, I hadn’t been charged. Do I go back and offer to pay so the supermarket doesn’t lose out? I’d feel a bit silly as it’s been weeks and I don’t have a receipt, so I don’t know exactly what I bought or how much it cost.” The shopper continued, “Given such a big firm’s unlikely to be affected by a one-off loss, I could say nothing and carry on shopping there, but would that make me no better than a thief?”
The post quickly garnered responses from other forum users, revealing a split in opinions on how to handle the situation. Some argued that the fault likely lay with the credit card company or a processing error at the supermarket, absolving the shopper of any responsibility. One commenter wrote: “No, you paid. The fault is either with the credit card company or some sort of processing error at the supermarket.” Others confessed they would have simply considered it a “freebie,” highlighting a less scrupulous approach.
However, the original poster’s guilt resonated with many, prompting sharing of similar experiences and advice. One shopper recounted a similar situation where a missing charge eventually appeared six months later. This experience solidified the idea that while a missing charge may seem like a windfall, it’s best to assume it will eventually be processed, suggesting that the shopper should set aside the estimated amount.
Others offered practical advice, emphasizing the importance of thorough checks on bank statements and suggesting that supermarkets like Tesco might be able to trace purchases through loyalty programs like Clubcard. If the guilt persists, contacting customer service was recommended as a means of addressing the situation. One forum member even suggested donating the estimated amount to charity if the charge never appears, suggesting a way to alleviate the guilt while recognizing the potential for the charge to be processed later.
Ultimately, the shopper’s dilemma sparked a conversation about personal ethics, the complexities of large corporations, and the unexpected twists and turns of everyday transactions. It serves as a reminder that even in our busy lives, ethical considerations and a sense of fairness can still be paramount.
